Watch Out! Top 19 Industries for Workplace Accidents and How to Prevent Them

6/17/2015

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 25 percent of employer insurance claims each year are due to slips, trips and falls. For business owners, these accidents cause a loss in productivity and can create unexpected expenses.

To mark National Safety Month this June, Farm Bureau Financial Services has gathered a list of the industries that experience the most nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check out the list below and then read on to see what business owners and their employees can do to prevent workplace slips, trips and falls!

Industries Most Prone to Workplace Accidents*

State and Local Government

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting

Transportation and Warehousing

Health Care and Social Assistance

Manufacturing

Retail Trade

Accommodation and Food Services

Construction

Wholesale Trade

Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing

Administrative Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services

Utilities

Other Services, except Public Administration

Mining

Educational Services

Information

Management of Companies and Enterprises

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Finance and Insurance

*Data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012.

Most slips and trips in the workplace can be prevented. When accidents do happen, workers are typically injured in the knee, ankle, foot, wrist, elbow, back, shoulder, hip or head.

Where Do Slips Happen?

There are many areas in a workplace that could cause slips. Highly polished floors, smooth floors with dust or other particles, or freshly waxed surfaces can all be dangerous to employees. The weather can also be a fierce mistress, creating puddles of rainwater or melted snow in entryways causing wet or dirty shoes to slip without notice. Sloped surfaces, shifting tiles or floorboards, poorly cared for rugs and mats, and the simple act of personnel moving from one type of surface to another are also common causes of slips.

What Causes Workplace Trips?

Several workplace items can cause major trip-ups to personnel. Unattended cords, hoses, cables, wires, debris, clutter, or obstacles in walkways can easily cause a trip-and-fall incident. Rugs and mats can cause trips as well as slips, especially if corners are broken or curled.

Inside buildings, open drawers or doors that protrude into walkways, changes in floor elevation, awkward thresholds, irregular steps, and gaps in floors can all cause falls.

On the outside, sidewalks, curb drops, and speed bumps can cause tripping hazards for employees and customers.

There are several things that all business can do to prevent slips and trip accidents on their property. Follow the guidelines below to make your office, factory, small business, or store as safe as possible!

Tips for Outside Safety

Fix potholes and other damage in parking lots

Mark uneven surfaces or changes in elevation with a yellow stripe

Check that curbs, crosswalks, and speed bumps are well marked and in good condition

Use slip-resistant paint on pavement

Ensure outdoor areas are well-lit

Keep outdoor walkways free of cords, hoses, large openings and other hazards

Make sure handrails are in good condition along all walkways

Avoid broken stairs and odd-sized risers and treads

Check that ramps are made of slip-resistant material or have traction strips instead

Tips for Indoor Walkway Safety

Check that walkways have no low-handing objects that could cause head injuries

Repair or replace broken or missing floor tiles

Check that carpet is free of rips and tears

Ensure stairwells are well-lit

Move cords and hoses away from walkways; use cord covers to protect any that cannot be moved

Keep walkways free of liquids

Use floor signs when appropriate

Use mats and rugs to prevent tracking from outside sources

Regularly inspect all mats and rugs for curling or tearing

Consider installing tire stops in parking lots to prevent employees and guests from walking on uneven surfaces around cars

Tips for Weather Safety

Consider hiring a snow/ice contractor

Check that walkways are clear before arrival of employees/customers

Shovel walkways and parking lots throughout the day

Use the proper type and amount of ice control around the building

Check that snow is piled to reduce thaw/freeze problems on walkways

Tips for Employees to Prevent Slips and Falls

While it is a company’s responsibility to keep their workplace clean and free of slip and trip hazards, there are several things that employees and customers can do to keep themselves safe.

On wet surfaces, take smaller steps and make wider turns

Clean up personal spills immediately

Wear slip-resistant shoes or boots

Don't carry large objects that obstruct your view

Clean fogged-over glasses immediately

Close drawers when not in use

Report missing or broken lights

Do not stand on a chair to reach an object

Walk up and down stairs, don't run

Use handrails at all times

Notify superiors of unsafe conditions

Always pay attention to what you are doing

No one wants to suffer from a tip or fall in the workplace, and it’s up to the owner and the employees to make it safe! For even more protection for your business, check out Farm Bureau’s business insurance to keep your company growing strong!

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